Central Park

Central Park Bethesda Terrace

Central Park

Times Square

Who am I?

Mary is a legally registered marriage officiant in New York. She has married hundreds of couples in New York City, in simple, meaningful, civil weddings, at iconic NY locations.

As a librarian, a writer, and a former organic farmer, I am interested in ethical choices for modern living. Mary and her colleagues support Humanist and Ethical Societies, and represent Human Rights organizations at the UN. We hope this blog and related websites provide useful information on how to organize your wedding. We also conduct baby-namings, funerals, and other life events. Contact us. Mary is also a licensed Marriage Officiant in Toronto, Canada. See ElopeToronto & WeddingsofToronto.com

New York Weddings

New York - the crossroads of the world: many couples who choose a New York City wedding are international. New York allows couples from any country to be legally married at any location in the city - not just City Hall or a chapel or church or mosque or synagogue - so we often conduct ceremonies in Central Park, or on the Brooklyn Bridge, or Coney Island, in small restaurants, art galleries, hotel rooms, or other unusual venues which provide a unique, romantic setting.

Click HERE for our most popular post: a step-by-step guide on How to Elope in New York : how to get a marriage license, find a New York marriage officiant, organize your ceremony, and have your marriage legally registered. See a little more advice HERE,

Thursday

Here's a fun picture of multiple brides on Fulton Ferry Landing, below Brooklyn Bridge. I shot it from the bridge, while waiting for a bride. It's WEDDING SEASON! There was ONE wedding happening on the bridge (to the back, where you can't see it), and the other 5 brides are having photo sessions. There was also a wedding on the terrace at the River Cafe, which is on the other side.

It's pretty obvious: if YOU can think of a romantic spot with a good view, so can everyone else! So be prepared for other weddings and wedding photo sessions in your vicinity. One solution is to have your actual wedding in a more secluded spot, and then go to the touristy areas for the photo ops. And, of course, try to reserve your spots in the City Parks, even if you have less than 20 people. It gives you right of place - which you should exercise diplomatically. Everyone is always quite friendly and if your chosen location is full, you can always find another nice spot - New York is a big place. But write to us if you want our advice about your location choice in "high season". Cheers!

[Update: The Ladies Pavilion may be CLOSED for renovation this year. But, we don't know WHEN - and neither does the Parks Dept. They are rebuilding the western banks now, but there is talk of restoring the skating pond and the original environs. If you have it reserved you should be OK - but we're happy to suggest alternatives]